Photo by Shira Oneal-Abend

LA VERNE, CA — Peter Trinh scored a team-high five goals, and the University of La Verne men's water polo team led the No. 18 Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens 6-5 at the end of the first quarter.

But the Sagehens rebounded and outscored La Verne 16-5 over the next two quarters on their way to a 22-13 win over La Verne.

La Verne played a near-flawless opening quarter. After the visitors took an early 2-0 lead, the Leopards battled back with Cody Lehotsky and Trinh both finding the back of the cage to cut the deficit to 3-2.

La Verne evened the game 5-5 after Trinh scored his third goal of the period with just over a minute remaining in the frame. Michael Staine gave his squad the lead when he scored with just five ticks left on the clock off an assist by Lehotsky.

But that was the last time the Leopards would hold the lead. The Sagehens opened the second quarter on a 5-0 run and took a 12-8 lead into the half. Pomona-Pitzer continued to surge after the break outscoring the Leopards 9-3 in the third.

Alam Barnuevo had another solid offensive performance for La Verne, finishing with three goals and three assists. Barnuevo also drew three exclusions and added one steal. Trinh added three steals and an assist to go with his scoring performance. Guillermo Ocasio added one goal.

Pomona-Pitzer was led by Sam Sasaki's five goals with Benjamin Sasaki, Noah Sasaki, and Dylan Elliott scoring three goals apiece.

La Verne's record goes to 2-8 overall and 0-2 in SCIAC. The Sagehens move to 6-3 overall and 3-0 in conference play.

The Leopards return to action on Saturday when they host Cal Lutheran at 11 a.m.